May072013

Hill City, Winner Students Tie for Second Place

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem today announced Karlee Ludvik of White River as the winner of the 2013 Congressional Art Competition. Ludvik’s water color, colored pencil and pen drawing, “In With the Spring” will hang in the U.S. Capitol complex along with the winning artwork from other Congressional Districts for the next year. Ludvik is a senior at White River High School where her art teacher isJohn LeBoeuf.

“Seeing the amazing talent of our state’s young people is truly inspiring and I am thrilled we are able to showcase South Dakota talent here in the U.S. Capitol,” said Rep. Noem. “I want to congratulate Karlee, Brittany and Taylor for their incredible work. I’m proud and honored to have these creative pieces displayed in the Capitol hallway and in my office for all to see.”

Winner High School senior Brittany Simkins and Hill City High School freshman Taylor Vaughn tied for second-place honors in this year’s contest. Both students’ artwork will hang in Rep. Noem’s congressional office in Washington for one year. Simkins submitted a pencil drawing, “Curiosity,” with the help of her art teacher, Karyl Clay. Vaughn’s work is a black and white photograph, “Badlands,” and her art teacher is Lori Jones.

The Congressional Art Competition is organized by Rep. Noem’s office in partnership with the South Dakota Arts Council and South Dakotans for the Arts/South Dakota Alliance for Arts Education. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982, providing members of Congress with an opportunity to recognize talent in their home districts.

In addition to getting their artwork displayed in Washington, D.C., the students will receive cash awards from South Dakotans for the Arts. For first place, Ludvik receives $200, and Simkins and Vaughn will each receive $50 for second place.